Firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a fire at a three-story Craftsman residence on 1218 S Menlo Ave in Pico-Union on March 10th. First reported by the LAFD ALERT, the fire began on the first floor and swiftly ascended through the walls of the structure, which was noted to have previously experienced a burn. The blaze prompted an aggressive attack by firefighters as they launched into offensive mode to contain the flames, and backup was promptly called to the scene.
With additional forces en route, the teams fought to extinguish the fire that had besieged the building, a task which was accomplished within roughly 47 minutes. According to details provided by the LAFD's follow-up announcement, "44 firefighters extinguished the fire in 47 mins with no injuries reported." The efficiency and swift response of the LAFD ensured that the fire did not spread to adjacent buildings.
However, the incident raised suspicions of foul play as the incident commander called for the Arson unit to investigate, suggesting that the fire may have been set intentionally. Possible multiple sets within the burned structure have prompted this investigation. As the probe into the cause of the fire commences, details of what ignited the conflagration remain unknown.
